It was defeat for The New Saints on Thursday night as Craig Harrison’s men played their first match of their UEFA Conference League campaign against Italian giants Fiorentina.
After a half chance for The Saints in the opening seconds the pattern for the game soon became obvious. The home side dominating the ball with TNS sitting deep looking to keep the Italian side out.
There was an early let of for The New Saints as Ikoné struck wide from close range.
Connor Roberts had to make numerous saves on the night with his first a smart stop to his left as Kouamé’s shot flew towards the bottom corner.
The home side came close before the break as a shot from the edge of the penalty area hit the post.
After 65 minutes of pressure on the The Saints back line, the resistance was broken as Yacine Adli stroked a left footed shot into the bottom corner leaving no chance for Roberts between the sticks.
Fiorentina scored again just three minutes later as the ball landed kindly to Moise Kean in the six yard box, his first effort was saved but he smashed the ball in on the second attempt.
Declan McManus came close after 75 minutes as Josh Daniels crossed from the right but McManus didn’t make a good enough connection with the ball, the keeper gathering easily.
Kean should have netted his second after 80 minutes but the forward’s weak effort was well saved by Roberts on the goal line.
Final score: Fiorentina 2-0 New Saints
Despite the disappointment of losing the game, this was a performance that The New Saints can be very proud of.
The Saints will face Astana in their next game of the campaign.
Following the game Sioned Dafydd spoke with the manager, Craig Harrison.
Sioned also spoke with winger Sion Bradley.
